Church groups building swing sets for Washington

WASHINGTON, Ill. (AP) -- Methodist youth groups from three states plan to build swing sets for families whose homes are being rebuilt after last year's tornado in Washington.

The Rev. John Hauck works at Washington Evangelical United Methodist Church. He told the Pekin Daily Times (http://bit.ly/1p3TfHa ) he wants the swing sets to give hope to the children that will live in the homes.

More than 70 families have requested swing sets.

The idea started with a call from a church in Florida looking for a mission project.

Now youth groups from Florida and Missouri as well as Illinois are part of the project.

Washington was hit by one of the tornadoes that caused serious damage across Illinois on Nov. 17. One person died in the town and hundreds of homes and business were destroyed.